Music Reviews

Happy 2014 minions of metal, and what an excellent start we are off to so far. I'd be selling myself short if I claimed to be anything less than an avid fan of Iced Earth, and Plagues of Babylon has been like Christmas and New Year's all over again for me, at once! Now, before I start salivating and probably bore you with things you don't care to hear, let's start with a few facts.

Do Not Affect A Breezy Manner is the début full-length album by Montreal three-piece band Freelove Fenner. The trio consists of Peter Woodford, Caitlin Loney, and Michael Wright, and their album offers 18 tightly-produced and restrained tracks, none venturing much beyond two minutes. The excess fat has been trimmed almost as if the band were on a diet of musical minimalism, which ensures that each track is reduced to its basic necessities.

Album review by CJLO Magazine contributor Chelsea Woodhouse

Self-taught musician and vocalist, Meghan Remy's Free Advice Column is a four song EP that is courageous in both tone and melody. This brief selection is a collaborative effort between both Remy and Canadian hip-hop producer Onakabazien, who also worked together on the 2011 full-length album U.S. Girls on KraaK.

Symphony Plastique is the debut solo release by Montreal artist Ari Swan. This four-track EP, recorded with Jamie Thompson (The Unicorns, Esmerine), paints a beautiful aural space that includes percussion and various effects that yield an eclectic mix of sounds and rhythms. Swan's vocals and violin weave together nicely around the canvas of sound created by Thompson giving us tracks that are fun, playful and at times intricate; a true symphonic duet.

There's something to be said for control, especially when you're making a full length record. In the case of Tamaryn's new release Tender New Signs, there is a very noticeable amount of deliberate choices made, adding up to a pleasant and varied experience for the listener.

Album review by CJLO Magazine contributor Craig Carestia

The self-titled release from Austin, Texas stoner-punks (yeah, I just made that up) American Sharks is like a 100-mile-an-hour space cruise down a desolate desert road through the centre of bat country. The album is like punk played through amps built from used Ford Thunderbird parts. If those wizard/tiger/dragon airbrush paintings on the sides of cargo vans in the '70s could record an album of their own, American Sharks would be it.

Album review by CJLO Magazine contributor Chelsea Woodhouse

Greetings one and all to the halls of metal, blessed by the gods themselves. It's Cecil here, and today I have something for all of you. Hailing from the Italian lands we have Rhapsody of Fire's latest album Dark Wings of Steel, and I'm not sick of it yet. Now, before I get started, let me just get comfortable with a nice strong drink.

From The Ages is the newest release from Earthless, a San Diego trio consisting of guitarist Isaiah Mitchell, bassist Mike Eginton and drummer Mario Rubalcaba. It’s been six years since their last release, and these psych/prog-rockers have come back with an atmosphere exploding four-track LP, which runs about 60 minutes long.

Moonface's latest album Julia With Blue Jeans On is, more than anything else, insanely and ridiculously beautiful. Spencer Krug's slightly strange, lovely lyrics and a piano, letting the songs stand with honesty and strong imagery, clearer than I am used to with his previous work.